Automated loan-cost generation based on map-based real estate search by geographic area

Abstract

A method may include receiving, at a computer system, provider profiles, wherein the provider profiles include at least a provider name, provider contact information, and a provider geographic region. The method may also include rendering, by the computing system, display results from searching a real estate database where the display results include one or more real estate listings overlayed on a map. A loan cost worksheet generation interface is provided and responsive to the user interacting with the loan cost worksheet generation interface, loan cost worksheet is generated. The loan cost worksheet is populated with the contact information of a first provider if a geographic area of the specific listing selected by the user is within the provider geographic region in the provider profile of the first provider.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to real estate information tools, and more particularly, to providing automated loan-cost worksheet generation based on map-based real estate searches.BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0002] Real estate information tools are often used by potential home buyers to search properties based on listing prices or price ranges. For example, a potential buyer may input search parameters including a home price range, and receive results such as a listing of homes listed within the home price range.

[0003] Upon choosing a potential home for purchase, or upon deciding to pursue a home purchase in general, the potential home buyer may also seek pre-approval for a home loan and details related to loan costs. Generally, loan costs vary based on geographic region, specific providers, and other factors. The exact cost of various providers may vary by region and the actual cost of the providers may make a difference as to whether a buyer considers a particular home or has the available capital to purchase the home.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates a computing system for automated generation of pre-approval documents and / or loan cost documents, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

[0006] FIG. 2 is a schematic of an example loan cost document, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 3 is a schematic of an example pre-approval document, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 4A illustrates an example user interface for map-based real estate searches, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 4B illustrates an additional example user interface for map-based real estate searches, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 4C illustrates an additional example user interface for map-based real estate searches, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 4D illustrates yet another example user interface for map-based real estate searches, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 5A illustrates an example user interface for automated generation of documents associated with a real estate offer, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 5B illustrates an additional example user interface for automated generation of documents associated with a real estate offer, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 5C illustrates yet another example user interface for automated generation of documents associated with a real estate offer, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a first example method of generating a load product pre-approval document, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a second example method of generating a loan product pre-approval document, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an example method of conducting a map-based real estate search, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates an example computing device for executing processes of the disclosure, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 10A illustrates an example user interface with a loan cost worksheet, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 10B illustrates an example user interface with multiple provider information, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 10C illustrates an example user interface with provider contact information, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 10D illustrates an example user interface with automated contact with a provider, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 10E illustrates an example user interface displaying additional provider profile data, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 11A illustrates an example touch screen user interface with multiple provider information, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 11B illustrates an example touch screen user interface with automated contact with a provider based on a gesture, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 12A illustrates an example user interface for downloading and / or viewing a loan cost worksheet at a user computing device, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 12B illustrates an example user interface for automatically contacting a provider based on a user interacting with the user interface, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 13 illustrates an example user interface for initiating a computer chat function with a provider, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 14A illustrates an example computer chat function, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 14B illustrates an example touch screen chat function, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of an example method of conducting a map-based real estate search, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Embodiments of automated loan-cost worksheet generation based on map-based real estate searches are described herein. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the techniques described herein can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring certain aspects.

[0033] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0034] Real estate information tools (e.g., real estate search tools) are often used by potential home buyers to search properties based on listing prices or price ranges. Upon choosing a potential home for purchase, or upon deciding to pursue a home purchase in general, the potential home buyer may also seek pre-approval for a home loan and / or costs associated with such a loan. Generally, pre-approvals are processed by a loan officer and include costs associated with various providers. For example, providers may include a homeowners insurance provider, a mortgage insurance provider, an escrow provider, a title insurance provider, and a home warranty provider. It follows that as loan officers and providers may not always be available, and as some home listings may become active while such providers are not available, that some potential home buyers may neglect to consider a particular home due to uncertainty as to the fees and costs of the transaction, timing constraints, and / or availability of a provider to provide specific loan costs, possible savings, and / or cost comparisons to competitors.

[0035] Furthermore, conventional real estate search tools often rely on particular search syntax (e.g., multiple listing service (MLS) syntax or numerical codes), are restricted to particular search parameters (e.g., price, square footage, or acreage), or are otherwise cumbersome for use by potential home buyers. For example, in conventional real estate search tools, many search parameters are pre-populated or are restricted to particular parameters. In these examples, a potential home buyer may not receive search results that are suitable for a particular financing type or form of loan. Moreover, some real estate listings may include special financing offers, credits, or programs that are not searchable by conventional tools. Even further, some real estate listings may include properties that cannot be financed (e.g., distressed or condemned properties) but are still included in conventional search results.

[0036] Accordingly, conventional real estate search tools present drawbacks that reduce user engagement, provide inaccurate search results, provide incomplete search results, frustrate potential home buyers, and complicate processes for quickly presenting offers to home sellers.

[0037] In implementations of this disclosure, automated generation of a loan cost worksheet from map-based real estate searches are provided. In implementations, a search interface (e.g., in a graphical user interface (GUI) or another interface) may be provided such that a user (e.g., a potential home buyer) may provide real estate buyer profile data representative of the user's financial data. The real estate buyer profile data may be used by a computer system to generate an overall pre-approval for a maximum loan amount and a maximum monthly payment, as well as costs associated with the loan amounts and payment amounts. In some implementations, the loan costs differ depending a geographical region (e.g. county) where the real estate is and real estate buyer profile may include different loan costs for different geographical regions and different providers.

[0038] The search interface may allow the user to select one or more loan products to conduct a search of potential homes on. The search may be effectuated by a computing device that maintains regularly updated interest rates, real estate listings, insurance data, private mortgage insurance data, and other real estate-related data. The search interface, upon a search being conducted, may provide a graphical display of a map overlayed with real estate listings matching the user's search specific criteria (e.g., location, loan type, pricing, etc.).

[0039] Upon selection of a home listing by the user, the computing device may automatically calculate an estimated monthly payment for the selected listing. The estimated monthly payment may be compared to the real estate buyer profile to determine if the selected listing is within the financial bounds of the user's pre-approval provided by the loan officer. If the selected listing is within the financial bounds, a pre-approval document and associated loan cost worksheet may be automatically generated, without further input by the loan officer (e.g., even while the loan officer is unavailable), that the user may use to ascertain different providers for managing specific loan costs. In some implementations, the loan cost worksheet also provides contact information for multiple providers such that a user has several options to choose from.

[0040] Users may search (using the exemplary search interface) based upon different types of loan products, different loan amounts, different monthly payments, and / or different purchase incentives or other data. In this manner, users of the search interface may receive loan cost documents independently of immediate provider availability, and user engagement may be improved.

[0041] Technical effects and technical benefits of various implementations include reduced bandwidth usage compared to inaccurate conventional search tools, reduced complexity of loan approval processes, improved chances of successful home purchases or offers during weekends and holidays (or when loan officers are otherwise unavailable or have limited availability), more relevant search results, and other benefits. Furthermore, as users may provide real estate buyer profile data and receive a general pre-approval for a maximum amount and maximum monthly payment prior to searching for a home, an overall speed of a typical home buying process may be reduced, providing for cost benefits and time benefits for the user.

[0042] Additionally, as the exemplary search interface allows for a plurality of search parameters and maintains regularly updated financing data, more relevant and accurate search results may be provided thereby reducing computational resources exhausted in search functions, improved memory usage by computing devices effectuating search functions, as well as improved power consumption for devices effectuating search functions. Therefore, implementations disclosed herein solve a unique computer-centric problem of providing more relevant search results and associated loan cost documents for one or more listings in the search results, unhindered by human availability (i.e., without a provider being actively available), and with specific technical effects and benefits, including provision of multiple provider contact information for use by a user.

[0043] These and other aspects are described in more detail in connection with FIGS. 1-15.

[0044] FIG. 1 illustrates a computing system 100 for automated generation of pre-approval documents and / or loan cost documents, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. As shown, the system 100 may include a main computing device 101 in operative communication with a real estate listings feed 111, a loan originator device 131, an insurance quote server 141, a private mortgage insurance (PMI) quote server 151, an interest rate server 121, and a user device 133, over a communications interface 165 (e.g., denoted by black arrows).

[0045] The communication interface 165 may include wireless and / or wired communication components that enable the computing device 101 to transmit data to and receive data from other networked devices (e.g., over a network, the Internet, or otherwise).

[0046] The computing device 101 may include any suitable computing device, and may include a search component 103 and a generation component 105 configured to execute on the computing device 101. In some implementations, the computing device 101 may include a server, a virtualized server, or a cloud computing device.

[0047] The search component 103 may be a software component configured to execute instructions to effectuate any of the search methods or processes disclosed herein. The search component 103 may be further configured to transmit and receive data to / from the real estate listings feed 111, the interest rate server 121, the insurance quote server 141, and / or the PMI quote server 151.

[0048] The generation component 105 may be a software component configured to execute instructions to effectuate any of the generation methods or processes disclosed herein. For example, the generation component 105 may be configured to automatically generate a loan cost worksheet 107 and a pre-approval document 109 based on user inputs received from the user device 133 and data received by the search component 103.

[0049] Real estate listings feed 111 may include access to a multiple listing service (MLS) or other real estate databases that include real estate listings. The real estate listings feed 111 may include one or more MLS feeds provided by any number of external MLS data sources. For example, the real estate listings feed 111 may provide real estate listings 112 to the computing device 101 on a periodic or regular basis. The search component 103 may be configured to scrape data from the real estate listings 112 and to categorize the real estate listings 112 based on the scraped data. Scraping data can include text-based scraping or optical character recognition and other techniques to extract language from non-text.

[0050] In some implementations, the search component 103 is configured to run one or more keyword searches on the real estate listings 112 to determine appropriate categorization based on loan products, pricing, features, financing, and other data contained in individual listings.

[0051] The interest rate server 121 may include one or more databases providing for updated interest rate data 122 on a periodic or regular basis. The interest rate data 122 may include an average interest rate based upon a loan product (e.g., loan term, down payment percentages, loan amounts, and other considerations). The search component 103 and generation component 105 may use the interest rate data 122 in determining appropriate search results and / or loan pre-approval information. Furthermore, as interest rate data and other data are updated on a regular and / or periodic basis (e.g., hourly, daily, weekly, etc.), users receive more accurate search results that are based on calculations of loan amounts, monthly payments, or other financial data that is more accurate and up-to-date, thereby reducing unnecessary and / or repetitive searches.

[0052] The loan originator device 131 may be a computing device associated with a financial institution or a loan officer. The loan originator device 131 may be used to provide an initial, overall loan pre-approval based on financial data received from the user device 133.

[0053] The insurance quote server 141 may include one or more sources of insurance quote data 142 for home loans in a geographic area of interest to a user of the user device 133. In one implementation, the geographic area of interest is based upon an Internet protocol (IP) address of the user device 133. In one implementation, the geographic area of interest is provided as user input by the user device 133 or the loan originator device 131. The insurance quote data 142 may be used by the search component 103 and the generation component 105 in calculating home purchase costs and monthly costs associated with a potential home purchase.

[0054] The PMI quote server 151 may include one or more sources of PMI quote data 152 for home loans based on (1) proposed down payment amounts provided by the user device 133 or loan originator device 131; and / or (2) the listing prices of homes in the real estate listings 112. The PMI quote data 152 may be used by the search component 103 and generator component 105 in calculating home purchase costs and monthly costs associated with a potential home purchase.

[0055] During operation, the computing device 101 may receive user data (e.g., such as real estate buyer profile data) including: overall income, available monetary reserves, employment history, income history, and other financial data. The loan originator device 131 may process the financial data to create or update the real estate buyer profile associated with the user of the user device 133. The real estate buyer profile may further be used to establish a maximum applicable loan amount and a maximum applicable monthly payment that the particular user is pre-approved for. It is noted that the maximum applicable loan amount and maximum applicable monthly payment are not necessarily the same as any amounts used in automatically generated pre-approval documents. In this manner, an overall purchasing power of a particular user is obfuscated to aid in negotiating a reasonable home purchase price for the user. These aspects and others may provide for an improved user experience in property purchases, and may improve user engagement with a map-based real estate search interface or platform.

[0056] The user of user device 133 may input one or more search criteria into the search interface provided by the search component 103. The search component 103 may perform a search of the received real estate listings 112 to determine relevant property listings that meet the search criteria. Upon selection of a listing by the user of user device 133, and request of a loan cost worksheet and / or pre-approval document, the generation component 105 may automatically (and independently of the loan originator device 131) provide the loan cost worksheet 107 and / or pre-approval document 109 to the user device 133. In another implementation, upon selection of a listing by the user of user device 133, and request of a loan cost worksheet and / or pre-approval document, the generation component 105 may automatically provide the loan cost worksheet 107 and / or pre-approval document 109 to loan originator device 131 for authorization / approval from the loan originator or loan officer. Once the loan originator or loan officer approves the loan cost worksheet 107 and / or pre-approval document 109, one or both of the documents is provided to the user device 133 so that they may be included in an offer to purchase real estate.

[0057] FIG. 2 is a schematic of an example loan cost document 107, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. As illustrated, a loan cost worksheet may include one or more of the following data: buyer name, property, loan details, monthly payment, transaction costs, prepaids and escrows, cash to close and / or lender information.

[0058] The buyer name (e.g., buyer data) may include a legal name for a potential buyer of a property. The property data may include a physical address and / or geographic information to locate the property. The buyer and property data may also optionally include an associated credit score for pricing, purchase price, percent down payment, mortgage insurance factors, funding fees, discount points, and / or debt to income ratio.

[0059] The loan details may include one or more of the following data: loan product (e.g., conventional, jumbo, federal housing administration (FHA), veteran affairs (VA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Interest Only (IO), Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) etc.), loan term (e.g., 15-years, 30-years, etc.), interest rate, annual percentage rate (APR), purchase price, loan amount, upfront mortgage insurance premium (UFMIP), occupancy (e.g., primary residence, secondary residence, rental property, etc.), loan-to-value ratio, and / or loan number.

[0060] The monthly payment may include one or more of the following data: principal and interest, homeowner's insurance, property taxes, mortgage insurance, home owner's association (HOA) dues, and other monthly costs. It is noted that monthly payment amounts may also be based upon special financing features such as, for example, seller credit, originator credit, different down payments (which can also affect interest rates), and other financing features.

[0061] The transaction costs may include one or more of the following data: origination related charges (e.g., processing, underwriting, application fees, discount points, etc.), title related charges (e.g., escrow settlement, lender's title insurance, owner's title insurance, recording fees, transfer taxes, etc.), and / or third party related fees (e.g., UFMIP, appraisal fee, credit report fee, tax service fee, flood certification fee, HOA questionnaire fee, HOA move-in fee, notary fee, etc.).

[0062] The prepaids and escrows may include one or more of the following data: daily interest charges, homeowners insurance policy charges, homeowners insurance escrow reserve, property taxes, property tax escrow reserve, etc.).

[0063] The cash to close may include one or more of the following data: down payment, other debts to be paid off, transaction costs, earnest money deposited, lender credit, seller credit, financed UFMIP or funding fee, and / or subordinate financing.

[0064] It is noted that more or fewer data may be included in the automatically generated loan cost worksheets in any implementation. Furthermore, in some cases, a user may also request a pre-approval document for a particular property.

[0065] FIG. 3 is a schematic of an example pre-approval document 109, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. As illustrated, a pre-approval document may include some or all of the following data: borrower name, loan product description, eligible counties for the loan, interest rate for the loan, APR for the loan, purchase price for the loan, first loan amount, down payment (amount or percentage), loan-to-value ratio, and / or any special conditions upon the pre-approval. It is noted that more or fewer data may be included in the automatically generated pre-approval documents in any implementation.

[0066] As described above, the system 100 may automatically generate loan cost worksheets and pre-approval documents based on map-based searches of available properties by a user. Hereinafter, search interfaces for map-based searches in relation to the provided loan cost worksheets and / or pre-approval documents are described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4A-5C.

[0067] FIG. 4A illustrates an example user interface 400 for map-based real estate searches, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. The interface 400 may include a location element 402, a search criteria element 404, and a property features element 406.

[0068] A user may conduct a search by inputting a geographical location (e.g., a city, county, region, or other geographic designation) as well as at least one search criteria. For example, a user may type geographic data directly into element 402. In some implementations, element 402 may be pre-populated with a geographic region based on a user's IP address. Thereafter, a map-based display 408 with overlaid search results 410 including real estate listings (e.g., labeled “A” and “B” for brevity) based on the criteria may be rendered for display to the user. The different real estate listings A and B may be paired with an associated price labeled “x” and “y”). For example, real estate listing A may be paired with a listing price or a monthly payment price “x” while a different real estate listing B may be paired with a listing price or a monthly payment price “y”. Of course many more than just two real estate listings may be rendered in the search results 410. Input of search criteria is described more fully below. Map-based display 408 with overlaid search results 410 may be changed based on a user input that zooms in and out or moves side-to-side or up / down.

[0069] FIG. 4B illustrates an additional example user interface 430 for map-based real estate searches, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. As illustrated, upon selection of element 404, an additional interface portion 440 may be rendered for display to the user.

[0070] The additional interface portion 440 may include selection of a monthly payment-based search. Accordingly, a user may input a minimum monthly payment, a maximum monthly payment, a desired loan product, and a down payment amount or percentage. In some implementations, a periodically or regularly updated mortgage rate may also be rendered for display to the user, to aid in determining search criteria for monthly payment-based searches. The interest rate of the mortgage may be determined by the loan product selected by the user. Input of list price-based searches are described more fully below.

[0071] FIG. 4C illustrates an additional example user interface 430 for map-based real estate searches, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. As illustrated, upon selection of element 404, an additional interface portion 442 may be rendered for display to the user.

[0072] The additional interface portion 442 may include selection of a list price-based search. Accordingly, a user may input a minimum list price, a maximum list price, a desired loan product, and a down payment amount or percentage. In some implementations, a periodically or regularly updated mortgage rate may also be rendered for display to the user, to aid in determining search criteria for list price-based searches.

[0073] In some implementations, additional search criteria for monthly payment and list price-based searches may include a particular loan product (e.g., conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA, USDA, IO, ARM, etc.), and / or loan term (e.g., 15-years, 30-years, etc.). Further search criteria can include tailoring for first or secondary home purchases, rental home purchases, investment property purchases, cash purchases, and other types of purchases. Still further, a user may input virtually any additional search criteria including: distressed properties, cash incentives, seller credits, and other criteria to be included in the search.

[0074] Input of other search criteria such as property features are described more fully below.

[0075] FIG. 4D illustrates yet another example user interface for map-based real estate searches, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. As illustrated, upon selection of element 406, an additional interface portion 460 may be rendered for display to the user.

[0076] The additional interface portion 460 may include a plurality of searchable property features to aid in presenting more relevant search results. In some implementations, the plurality of searchable property features may include number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, square footage, property types (primary, stand-alone, condominium, trailer, manufactured home, distressed, multiple-unit housing, etc.), and financing features (loan types, loan terms, cash options, seller financing, FHA loan eligibility, VA loan eligibility, seller credits, etc.).

[0077] Upon presentation of search results (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 4A), a user may select a real estate listing from the search results. Upon selection, a user interface as illustrated in FIG. 5A may be rendered for display to the user.

[0078] FIG. 5A illustrates an example user interface 500 for automated generation of documents associated with a real estate offer, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. As illustrated, the interface 500 is rendered to display data associated with a user-selected real estate listing from the search results based on use of the interfaces 400-460. The interface 500 may include one or more property photos or illustrations 502, textual description of the property 504, a create loan cost worksheet request element 506 and a generate pre-approval letter request element 508. For example, if a user selects element 506, a loan cost worksheet may be automatically generated or a worksheet request interface may be rendered. Somewhat similarly, if a user selects element 508, a pre-approval document may be automatically generated or a pre-approval request interface may be rendered. It is noted that if a user does not concurrently have an established real estate buyer profile with overall pre-approval terms, then the element 508 may provide contact information for an available loan officer for the user to contact.

[0079] FIG. 5B illustrates an additional example user interface 520 for automated generation of documents associated with a real estate offer, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. As illustrated, upon selection of element 506, a loan cost worksheet generation request interface 522 may be rendered for display to the user. The interface 522 may include loan product data, down payment data, and mortgage rate information. Upon input of loan product and down payment data, the user may select the “generate” element to automatically have a loan cost worksheet generated that reflects the input data. For example, a loan cost worksheet example is illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0080] FIG. 5C illustrates yet another example user interface 530 for automated generation of documents associated with a real estate offer, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. As illustrated, upon selection of element 508, a pre-approval generation request interface 532 may be rendered for display to the user. The interface 532 may include loan product data, down payment data, and mortgage rate information. Upon input of loan product and down payment data, the user may select the “generate” element to automatically have a pre-approval document generated that reflects the input data. For example, a pre-approval document example is illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0081] As described above, computing systems provide novel user search interfaces for providing map-based real estate searches based on loan type. Hereinafter, operation of the computing systems is described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 6-8.

[0082] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a first example method 600 of generating a load product pre-approval document, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The order in which some or all of the process blocks appear in method 600 should not be deemed limiting. Rather, one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure will understand that some of the process blocks may be executed in a variety of orders not illustrated, or even in parallel. All or a portion of the process blocks in method 600 may be performed by search component 103 or generation component 105, for example. The method 600 begins at process block 605.

[0083] In process block 605, display results from searching a real estate database are rendered by a computing system. The display results include one or more real estate listings overlayed on a map a computing system. Block 605 is followed by block 610.

[0084] In process block 610, a user input selecting a selected real estate listing from the one or more real estate listings in the display results is received by the computing system. The selected real estate listing includes a listing price. Block 610 is followed by block 615.

[0085] In process block 615, a monthly payment is calculated based at least in part on the listing price. In some implementations, method 600 also includes periodically receiving updated interest rate data related to the one or more real estate listings and / or related to the one or more loan products selected as a search criteria. In this manner, the calculated monthly payment can further be based on the updated interest rate data. Block 615 is followed by block 620.

[0086] In process block 620, a maximum monthly payment of a user is received by the computing system. In some implementations, the maximum monthly payment of the user is an overall maximum monthly payment available to the user based on an overall loan pre-approval from a loan originator. The overall loan pre-approval may also be stored in a real estate buyer profile maintained by a loan officer or loan originator. In some implementations, the maximum monthly payment of the user is entered as a search criteria by the user via a user device communicatively coupled to the computing system. Block 620 is followed by block 625.

[0087] In process block 625, when the calculated monthly payment is less than maximum monthly payment, the pre-approval document is automatically generated by the computing system. In this manner, a loan officer need not be available for pre-approval document generation. In some implementations, the pre-approval loan document is transmitted or otherwise provided to a user device. In some implementations, the pre-approval loan document is transmitted to a telephone number or email address provided by the requesting user. Furthermore, the pre-approval loan document can also be transmitted to a loan originator device such as 131 or to another device associated with a loan originator.

[0088] In some implementations, the method 600 can also include transmitting the mortgage pre-approval document to a second computing device (e.g., 131) for review by a loan originator, receiving an approval authentication of the mortgage pre-approval document from the loan originator, and in response to receiving the approval authentication from the loan originator, providing an authenticated mortgage pre-approval document to the user.

[0089] In some implementations, the approval authentication is an e-signature of the loan originator onto the mortgage pre-approval document. A personal computing device of the loan officer may be provided with access to e-sign the mortgage pre-approval document. For example, an e-signature email with a link to an e-signature platform may be generated by computing system 100 and sent to the personal computing device of the loan officer so that the loan officer can easily e-sign the mortgage pre-approval document via a device such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or otherwise.

[0090] In some implementations, the method 600 also includes generating a loan cost worksheet that includes at least the calculated monthly payment and associated loan details for the selected real estate listing.

[0091] In some implementations, the loan cost worksheet further includes one or more of: transaction costs associated with an anticipated loan for the selected real estate property, prepaid and escrow costs associated with the anticipated loan, and closing costs associated with the anticipated loan.

[0092] As described above, a method may include rendering, by the computing system, display results from searching a real estate database, wherein the first display results include one or more real estate listings overlayed on a map. The method may also include receiving, by the computing system, a user input selecting a selected real estate listing from the one or more real estate listings in the display results, wherein the selected real estate listing includes a listing price. The method may also include calculating, by the computing system, a calculated monthly payment based at least in part on the listing price. Finally, the method may also include receiving, by the computing system, a maximum monthly payment of a user, and generating, by the computer system, the mortgage pre-approval document when the calculated monthly payment is less than maximum monthly payment.

[0093] While described with reference to a search based on a rendered map display, the same may be varied in many ways. For example, additional methods of generating loan product pre-approvals are described below.

[0094] FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a second example method 700 of generating a loan product pre-approval document, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The order in which some or all of the process blocks appear in method 700 should not be deemed limiting. Rather, one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure will understand that some of the process blocks may be executed in a variety of orders not illustrated, or even in parallel. All or a portion of the process blocks in method 700 may be performed by search component 103 or generation component 105, for example. The method 700 begins at block 705.

[0095] In process block 705, a user input selecting a loan product for financing a real estate transaction is received by a computing system. The loan product includes a time repayment term (e.g., 5-year, 7-year, 15-year, 30-year, etc.). Block 705 is followed by block 710.

[0096] In process block 710, an interest rate corresponding to the selected loan product is received by the computing system. In some implementations, the interest rate is periodically or regularly updated by the computing system, for example, on a daily basis. Block 710 is followed by block 715.

[0097] In process block 715, display results from searching a real estate database are rendered using a search filter based at least in part on the interest rate corresponding to the selected loan product. The display results includes one or more real estate listings overlayed on a map. Block 715 is followed by block 720.

[0098] In process block 720, a user input selecting a selected real estate listing from the one or more real estate listings in the display results is received by the computing system. The selected real estate listing includes a listing price. Block 720 is followed by block 725.

[0099] In process block 725, the computing system calculates (1) a loan amount based on the listing price, and (2) a calculated monthly payment based on the loan amount, the selected loan product, and the interest rate corresponding to the selected loan product. In some implementations, a downpayment value is received from the user and the loan amount is also based on the down payment value received from the user.

[0100] In some implementations, the interest rate corresponding to the selected loan product is based on the downpayment value received from the user.

[0101] In some implementations, the calculated monthly payment is also calculated based on homeowners association (HOA) dues and property taxes provided by the selected real estate listing. Block 725 is followed by block 730.

[0102] In process block 730, a real estate buyer profile including (1) a maximum loan amount and (2) a maximum monthly payment is received by the computing system. The real estate buyer profile may be received from loan originator device 131 or be entered into a user interface by the user. Block 730 is followed by block 735.

[0103] In process block 730, when both the loan amount is less than the maximum loan amount and the calculated monthly payment is less than maximum monthly payment, the computing system automatically generates the mortgage pre-approval document.

[0104] In some implementations, the mortgage pre-approval document includes: the selected loan product selected by the user input, a borrower name, a purchase price for the selected real estate listing, a down payment value, and an originator name of a loan originator. In some implementations, the mortgage pre-approval document further includes: the interest rate corresponding to the loan product, a loan amount, a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, and a geographical condition for the mortgage pre-approval document.

[0105] In some implementations, the method 700 also includes providing the mortgage pre-approval document to the user for downloading to a user device and / or transmitting the mortgage pre-approval document to an auxiliary computing device accessible by the loan originator.

[0106] In some implementations, the method 700 also includes transmitting details of the selected real estate listing to a private mortgage insurance (PMI) quote server, and receiving a PMI estimate based on the transmitted details, wherein the calculated monthly payment is also calculated based on the PMI estimate.

[0107] In some implementations, the method 700 also includes transmitting details of the selected real estate listing to an insurance quote server, and receiving an insurance estimate based on the transmitted details, wherein the calculated monthly payment is also calculated based on the insurance estimate.

[0108] In some implementations of method 700 the selected real estate listing includes a geographical description (e.g. county) of the selected real estate listing. Due to loan rules or guidelines, different geographical regions may have different associated maximum conforming loan amounts associated with different geographical regions. Hence, the real estate buyer profile may have different maximum monthly payments associated with different geographical regions. In implementations of process 700, the maximum monthly payment of the real estate buyer profile may be provided based on the county of the selected real estate listing.

[0109] As described above, a method may include receiving, by the computing system, a user input selecting a loan product for financing a real estate transaction, wherein the loan product includes a time repayment term. The method may also include receiving, by the computer system, an interest rate corresponding to the selected loan product. The method may also include rendering, by the computing system, display results from searching a real estate database using a search filter based at least in part on the interest rate corresponding to the selected loan product, wherein the display results include one or more real estate listings overlayed on a map. The method may also include receiving, by the computing system, a user input selecting a selected real estate listing from the one or more real estate listings in the display results, wherein the selected real estate listing includes a listing price. The method may also include calculating, by the computing system, (1) a loan amount based on the listing price; and (2) a calculated monthly payment based on the loan amount, the selected loan product, and the interest rate corresponding to the selected loan product. The method may also include receiving, by the computing system, a real estate buyer profile including (1) a maximum loan amount; and (2) a maximum monthly payment. The method may also include generating, by the computer system, the mortgage pre-approval document when both the loan amount is less than the maximum loan amount and the calculated monthly payment is less than maximum monthly payment.

[0110] While described with reference to a search based on particular loan products or features, the same may be varied many ways. For example, additional methods of generating loan product pre-approvals are described below.

[0111] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an example method 800 of conducting a map-based real estate search, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The order in which some or all of the process blocks appear in method 800 should not be deemed limiting. Rather, one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure will understand that some of the process blocks may be executed in a variety of orders not illustrated, or even in parallel. All or a portion of the process blocks in method 800 may be performed by search component 103 or generation component 105, for example. The method 800 begins at block 805.

[0112] In process block 805, a user input selecting a loan product for financing a real estate transaction is received by a computing system. The loan product includes a time repayment term (e.g., 5-year, 7-year, 15-year, 30-year, etc.). Block 805 is followed by block 810.

[0113] In process block 810, an interest rate corresponding to the selected loan product is received by the computing system. In some implementations, the selected loan product is one of: a conventional mortgage, a jumbo mortgage, a second mortgage, FHA mortgage, a VA mortgage, IO mortgage, ARM mortgage, or a U.S. Department of Agriculture mortgage. Block 810 is followed by block 815.

[0114] In process block 815, real estate results are received from searching a real estate database based on a geographic filter of a real estate database. The real estate results include one or more real estate listings that include corresponding listing prices. Block 815 is followed by block 820.

[0115] In process block 820, monthly payments from the listing prices are calculated based on (1) the interest rate associated with the selected loan product that the user selected, and (2) the time repayment term of the selected loan product. Block 820 is followed by block 825.

[0116] In process block 825, display results are rendered according to a search filter. The display results can include the one or more real estate listings paired with the monthly payment calculated for each of the real estate listings. Additionally, the real estate listing can be paired with the monthly payment overlayed on a map based on the geographic filter. In some implementations, the geographic filter is based on a geographic preference input by a user. In some implementations, the geographic filter is based on a determined location of a user device associated with the user (e.g., an IP address, GPS coordinates, etc.). For example, the search filter can also be based, at least in part, on a geographic location determined for the user and / or the user device. For example, the search filter can also be based, at least in part, on one or more property features or financing features selected by the user.

[0117] In some implementations, the method 800 also includes receiving a downpayment value from the user. The loan amount can also be based on the down payment value received from the user. Furthermore, monthly payments can be calculated based at least in part on the downpayment value from the user. Additionally, the interest rate corresponding to the selected loan product can also be based on the downpayment value received from the user.

[0118] In some implementations, the method 800 can also include receiving a monthly payment range selected by the user. For example, the search filter can include the monthly payment range. Additionally, the display results can include a filtered portion of the real estate results that have the calculated monthly payment within the monthly payment range selected by the user.

[0119] In some implementations, the method 800 can also include scraping text-based descriptions of the one or more real estate listings to identify one or more financing features associated with each of the one or more real estate listings. For example, the search filter can further be based on the identified one or more financing features. For example, the identified one or more financing features can include one or more of: seller credit, loan originator credit, cash payment option, and seller financing. Additionally, the search filter can further be based on the identified one or more financing features.

[0120] In some implementations, the method 800 can also include rendering a property features interface. For example, searching the real estate database can further be based on user input in the property features interface. For example, the property features interface can include selectable property types including one or more of: standalone home, condominium, multi-unit home, empty lot, distressed property, and manufactured home. In some implementations, the property features interface can also or alternatively include selectable financing features for properties including one or more of: seller credit, loan originator credit, cash payment option, and seller financing.

[0121] As described above, a method may include receiving, by the computing system, a user input selecting a loan product for financing a real estate transaction, wherein the selected loan product includes a time repayment term. The method may also include receiving, by the computing system, an interest rate associated with the selected loan product. The method may also include receiving, by the computing system, real estate results based on a geographic filter of a real estate database, wherein the real estate results include one or more real estate listings that include corresponding listing prices. The method can also include calculating monthly payments from the listing prices based on (1) the interest rate associated with the selected loan product that the user selected, and (2) the time repayment term of the selected loan product. Additionally, the method may include rendering, by the computing system, display results according to a search filter. The display results can include the one or more real estate listings paired with the monthly payment calculated for each of the real estate listings, and the real estate listing can be paired with the monthly payment overlayed on a map based on the geographic filter.

[0122] As described above, different methods have been presented to provide for more relevant search results for real estate listings, with automatically generated loan documents, including loan cost worksheets and pre-approval documents. Hereinafter, alternative methods, user interfaces, and associated details, which may be used in combination with, in addition to, or in alternative to, the above, are described in detail.

[0123] In additional implementations of this disclosure, automated generation of loan cost worksheets from map-based real estate searches are provided. In implementations, a search interface (e.g., in a graphical user interface (GUI) or another interface) may be provided such that a user (e.g., a potential home buyer) may provide real estate buyer profile data representative of the user's financial data. The real estate buyer profile data, and a user selection of a specific real estate listing, may be used by a computer system to generate a loan cost worksheet for the user and the specific listing. In some implementations, loan costs contained within the worksheet differ depending upon a geographical region (e.g. county, zip code, area, etc.) where the real estate is located, and resulting worksheets may include different loan costs for different geographical regions and different providers.

[0124] The search interface may allow the user to select one or more loan products to conduct a search of potential homes on. The search may be effectuated by a computing device that maintains regularly updated interest rates, real estate listings, insurance data, private mortgage insurance data, and other real estate-related data. The search interface, upon a search being conducted, may provide a graphical display of a map overlayed with real estate listings matching the user's search specific criteria (e.g., location, loan type, pricing, etc.).

[0125] Upon selection of a home listing by the user, the computing device may automatically generate an associated loan cost worksheet, without further input by specific provider (e.g., even while the provider or providers are unavailable), that the user may use to ascertain different matching providers for managing specific loan costs. In some implementations, the loan cost worksheet also provides contact information for multiple providers such that a user has several options to choose from.

[0126] Users may search (using the exemplary search interface) based upon different types of loan products, different loan amounts, different monthly payments, and / or different purchase incentives or other data. In this manner, users of the search interface may receive loan cost documents independently of immediate provider availability, and user engagement may be improved.

[0127] Technical effects and technical benefits of various implementations include reduced bandwidth usage compared to inaccurate conventional search tools, reduced complexity of loan approval processes, improved chances of successful home purchases or offers during weekends and holidays (or when providers may be otherwise unavailable or have limited availability), more relevant search results, and other benefits. Furthermore, as users may provide real estate buyer profile data and receive a loan cost worksheet with several providers' contact information, an overall speed of a typical home buying process may be reduced, providing for cost benefits and time benefits for the user.

[0128] Additionally, as the exemplary search interface allows for a plurality of search parameters and maintains regularly updated financing data, more relevant and accurate search results may be provided thereby reducing computational resources exhausted in search functions, improved memory usage by computing devices effectuating search functions, as well as improved power consumption for devices effectuating search functions. Therefore, implementations disclosed herein solve a unique computer-centric problem of providing more relevant search results and associated loan cost documents for one or more listings in the search results, unhindered by human availability (i.e., without a provider being actively available), and with specific technical effects and benefits, including provision of multiple provider contact information for use by a user where the providers provide services in the same geographical region as a selected real estate property.

[0129] FIG. 10A illustrates an example user interface with a loan cost worksheet 107′ (also termed a “smart loan cost worksheet” interchangeably herein), in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. As illustrated, a loan cost worksheet may include one or more of the following data: buyer profile, property profile, loan details, monthly payment, transaction costs, prepaids and escrows, cash to close, and / or lender information.

[0130] The buyer profile (e.g., buyer profile data) may include a legal name for a potential buyer of a property, as well as a link to more detailed information related to the potential buyer (e.g., contact info, phone number, email address, etc.). The property profile may include a physical address and / or geographic information to locate the property. The buyer data and property data may also optionally include an associated credit score for pricing, purchase price, percent down payment, mortgage insurance factors, funding fees, discount points, and / or debt to income ratio.

[0131] The loan details may include one or more of the following data: loan product (e.g., conventional, jumbo, federal housing administration (FHA), veteran affairs (VA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Interest Only (IO), Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) etc.), loan term (e.g., 15-years, 30-years, etc.), interest rate, annual percentage rate (APR), purchase price, loan amount, upfront mortgage insurance premium (UFMIP), occupancy (e.g., primary residence, secondary residence, rental property, etc.), loan-to-value ratio, and / or loan number.

[0132] The monthly payment may include one or more of the following data: principal and interest, homeowner's insurance, property taxes, mortgage insurance, home owner's association (HOA) dues, and other monthly costs. It is noted that monthly payment amounts may also be based upon special financing features such as, for example, seller credit, originator credit, different down payments (which can also affect interest rates), and other financing features.

[0133] The transaction costs may include one or more of the following data: origination related charges (e.g., processing, underwriting, application fees, discount points, etc.), title related charges (e.g., escrow settlement, lender's title insurance, owner's title insurance, recording fees, transfer taxes, etc.), and / or third party related fees (e.g., UFMIP, appraisal fee, credit report fee, tax service fee, flood certification fee, HOA questionnaire fee, HOA move-in fee, notary fee, etc.).

[0134] The prepaids and escrows may include one or more of the following data: daily interest charges, homeowners insurance policy charges, homeowners insurance escrow reserve, property taxes, property tax escrow reserve, etc.).

[0135] The cash to close may include one or more of the following data: down payment, other debts to be paid off, transaction costs, earnest money deposited, lender credit, seller credit, financed UFMIP or funding fee, and / or subordinate financing.

[0136] It is noted that more or fewer data may be included in the automatically generated loan cost worksheets in any implementation. Furthermore, in some cases, a user may also seek to contact specific providers for details related to costs, competitors, and / or other details.

[0137] FIG. 10B illustrates an example user interface with multiple provider information, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. As shown, a user interface may display the loan cost worksheet 107′. For example, the loan cost worksheet 107′ may include interactive elements and / or interactive portions. The interactive portions may include: clickable links (e.g., surrounding text and / or embedded within text), clickable portions (e.g., invisible portions and / or borders surrounding elements or text), areas for receiving touch screen inputs and / or gestures, and others.

[0138] As shown in FIG. 10B, a cursor or arrow 1004 may be interacted with by a user such that the loan cost worksheet 107′ (or the interface displaying the worksheet) may render an additional interface portion 1002. The interface portion 1002 may be configured to display information related to a portion of the loan cost worksheet the user interacted with. In this example, the user interacted with transaction cost 1, and a transaction cost information interface portion 1002 has been rendered.

[0139] The transaction cost information interface portion 1002 includes a ranked subset of providers. The ranked subset may be ranked based upon one or more of distance to the geographic area of a specific listing selected by the user and transaction cost associated with the particular provider and the specific listing. In some implementations, a single provider may be listed instead of a ranked subset. In some implementations, a size of the ranked subset is automatically selected based upon a recommended or required subset size provided by the real estate database. For example, some real estate databases may require and / or recommend a particular subset size for any particular reason. In some implementations, the interface portion 1002 displays a numerical ranking (or other ranking) and profile data (e.g., contact name, contact information, etc.) such that a user may initiate contact with any particular provider.

[0140] FIG. 10C illustrates an example user interface with provider contact information, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. As illustrated, the cursor or arrow 1004 has interacted with (or the user has interacted with) the displayed top ranked provider in the interface portion 1004. Responsive thereto, a new interface portion 1006 has been rendered.

[0141] In this example, the new interface portion 1006 is a provider profile interface portion 1006. The provider profile interface portion 1006 may display one or more of: individual name associated with the provider, business name associated with the provider, business address associated with the provider, telephone number associated with the provider, an email address associated with the provider, and other contact options for contacting the provider and / or business. In some implementations, the provider profiles displayed in the interface portion 1006 include at least (1) a provider name; (2) provider contact information; and (3) a provider geographic region.

[0142] Depending upon user preferences, a user may initiate contact with the selected provider automatically, as described herein. User preferences may include: type of contact, number of re-attempts for automated contact, social media contact, alternative contact, and others.

[0143] FIG. 10D illustrates an example user interface with automated contact with a provider, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. As illustrated, the cursor and / or arrow has indicated that the selected provider should be contacted. Responsive thereto, the computing system displaying the loan cost worksheet 107′ may automatically initiate a telephone call, an email, a computer chat, or other communication with the provider. In this example, an automated phone call interface 1008 is rendered allowing the user to confirm a selection to initiate a phone call with the selected provider. For example, a voice-over-IP system may be used to initiate a phone call from a computer, or a cellular telephone application may be initiated responsive to the user's confirmation at interface 1008.

[0144] In this manner, the loan cost worksheet 107′ may provider for a selection of the selected provider contact information in a selection interface, a confirmation of the selected provider via a confirmation interface, and / or a gesture indicative of the selected provider in a touch screen interface. Thereafter, at substantially the same time, and / or responsive thereto, the loan cost worksheet 107′ may provide for initiating telephone call between the user and the selected provider, initiating an email application and creating an email message populated with the selected provider's email address to be sent from the user's email address, and / or initiating a computer chat function between the user and the selected provider.

[0145] In addition to automated contact, a user may select and view different profile data for different provider profiles. For example, a user may traverse one or more interfaces and / or the loan cost worksheet 107′ to view different provider profile data.

[0146] FIG. 10E illustrates an example user interface displaying additional provider profile data, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. As illustrated, if cursor or arrow 1004 (or another gesture) indicates selection of “profile data” or a similar portion of the loan cost worksheet 107′, an additional interface portion 1020 may be rendered or displayed for the user.

[0147] The additional interface portion 1020 may include a listing or table of provider profiles with at least one matching attribute based upon the user's selection of a particular real estate listing. In this example, a user may have selected a property in geographic region B. Therefore, a listing of providers that service geographic region B may be provided. Other attributes including loan metrics, specific areas served, number of prior loans, length of business history in area, number of active customers, and others, may also be included in the interface portion 1020 or in an additional interface portion.

[0148] As shown, each provider profile may contain a plurality of information, including the associated name, business address, contact information, as well as geographic regions served. It is noted that the geographic regions served may be different or in addition to the listed business address.

[0149] In some implementations, the providers shown may be listed according to ranking (e.g., based on online reviews, customer satisfaction, real estate database metrics, and so on). Other rankings such as proximity to property selected, number of loans closed in the geographical area, and others, may also be suitable. In one implementation, a provider with a physical address closest to the specific listing associated with the loan cost worksheet is ranked first, and other providers are listed in descending order by distance.

[0150] In this and other examples, a user may further select individual providers for automated contact as described herein, or may indicate preference for one or more of the providers listed. It is further noted that additional profile data may be accessible by interaction with the rendered listing, for example.

[0151] In addition to the display illustrated in FIG. 10E, additional provider profile data may be provided as: an automated email to a user, an automated text message to a user, and / or in other formats. Additionally, other information such as: listings of providers, listings of costs, rankings of providers, reviews of providers, and other suitable information may also be displayed to a user. The additional information, provider profile information, and others, may be viewed through interaction with the loan cost worksheet 107′ and / or any of the user interfaces described herein.

[0152] As noted above, personal computing devices may be used to view and / or interact with the loan cost worksheet 107′. In some implementations, a touch screen interface, such as an interface available on a mobile phone, laptop, touch monitor, disability-assisted device, tablet, or other touch sensitive devices, may be used to display the loan cost worksheet 107′ and interact therewith.

[0153] FIG. 11A illustrates an example touch screen user interface 1100 with multiple provider information, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. As shown, a touch gesture 1104 (e.g., a tap, tap-and-hold, and / or press) may be performed by a user.

[0154] Responsive to the gesture 1104, a transaction cost information interface 1102 may be rendered for display to the user. The interface 1102 may be similar to interface 1002. Thereafter, if the user interacts further with the interface 1102, various functionality associated with the interaction may cause further displays, renderings, and / or automated functionality associated with the particular interaction.

[0155] For example, a user may close the interface 1102. The user may select a particular provider displayed. The user may initiate automated contact with a provider. Other interactions are contemplated and these examples are non-exhaustive of all possible interactions.

[0156] FIG. 11B illustrates an example touch screen user interface with automated contact with a provider based on a gesture, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. As illustrated, a user may input a swipe or swipe-and-hold gestures 1106 directed toward a selection 1108. Responsive to this gesture (or to another suitable gesture or gestures), the device may render an automated contact interface 1110.

[0157] The automated contact interface 1110 may allow for confirmation of automated contact with the selected provider. For example, the interface 1110 may allow for a phone call to be initiated, a text message to be drafted, an email to be drafted, a chat to be enabled, or other contact to be initiated, automatically, upon confirmation by the user.

[0158] It is noted that upon generation of a loan cost worksheet for a particular property and / or loan type, a user may continue to search other properties and return to the property having a loan cost worksheet already generated.

[0159] FIG. 12A illustrates an example user interface 500′ for downloading and / or viewing a loan cost worksheet at a user computing device, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. As shown, a view loan cost worksheet element 506′ may be operative to render a previously downloaded and / or generated worksheet. Similarly, a previously generated and / or downloaded pre-approval letter may be rendered upon selection of view pre-approval letter element 508′.

[0160] Upon selection of the element 506′ with cursor or arrow 1202, various automated contact options may be rendered for a user (e.g., according to examples shown in FIGS. 10A-10D).

[0161] FIG. 12B illustrates an example user interface for automatically contacting a provider based on a user interacting with the user interface 500′ and / or a previously generated loan cost worksheet, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. As shown, a user may initiate a phone call with a provider through interface 1204 and confirmation of a provider to contact.

[0162] FIG. 13 illustrates an example user interface for initiating a computer chat function with a provider based on a user interacting with the user interface 500′ and / or a previously generated loan cost worksheet, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. As shown, a user may initiate a chat function with a provider through interface 1304 and confirmation of a provider to contact with cursor or arrow 1302. Other contact options including email, text message, etc., may also be applicable depending upon any particular implementation.

[0163] FIG. 14A illustrates an example computer chat function, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. As shown, a chat window 1402 may be rendered for interaction by a user. The automated chat may be initialized upon confirmation by a user, and may provide for directly contacting a computing device of the selected provider. In this manner, various forms of communication with providers are effectuated and provide users with improved engagement features, improved aesthetics, improved bandwidth use (e.g., with previously downloaded loan cost worksheets), and may provide for users with disabilities to more easily contact providers.

[0164] FIG. 14B illustrates an example touch screen chat function, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. Similar to the example of FIG. 14A, FIG. 14B provides for automated contact on a touch screen enabled device. The automated chat may be initialized upon confirmation by a user, and may provide for directly contacting a computing device of the selected provider. In this manner, various forms of communication with providers are effectuated and provide users with improved engagement features, improved aesthetics, improved bandwidth use (e.g., with previously downloaded loan cost worksheets), and may provide for users with disabilities to more easily contact providers.

[0165] The various features, elements, interfaces, and contact options described above may be implemented with a loan cost worksheet 107′ stored in memory, previously downloaded, or generated automatically using the techniques described herein. Hereinafter, an example method of map based real estate search is described in detail, with reference to the above examples.

[0166] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of an example method 1500 of conducting a map-based real estate search, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. The order in which some or all of the process blocks appear in method 1500 should not be deemed limiting. Rather, one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure will understand that some of the process blocks may be executed in a variety of orders not illustrated, or even in parallel. All or a portion of the process blocks in method 800 may be performed by search component 103 or generation component 105, for example. The method 1500 begins at block 1505.

[0167] At process block 1505, the method 1500 includes receiving, at a computer system, provider profiles. For example, a user may search a map-based user interface (e.g., 400) for a number of matching homes or real estate locations available for purchase. The user may input various search parameters and be provided with a number of search results to choose from. Each of the search results may be associated with a geographic region that includes any number of available providers of various loan cost items described above.

[0168] Individual providers may be one of a homeowners insurance provider, a mortgage insurance provider, an escrow provider, a title insurance provider, and a home warranty provider. The provider profiles include at least (1) a provider name; (2) provider contact information; and (3) a provider geographic region.

[0169] Each provider profile can also include a provider category for a transaction cost associated with a loan. Each provider profile can also include a provider category for a transaction cost such as, for example, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance, escrow, title insurance, home warranty, and so on.

[0170] At process block 1510, the method 1500 includes rendering, by the computing system, display results from searching a real estate database. In some implementations, the display results include one or more real estate listings overlayed on a map. For example, a map-based real estate search may use the same or similar map, which may be interacted with by a user. A user may also input geographic areas into a search function (e.g., zip code, neighborhood names, school zones, etc.).

[0171] For example, the user may navigate the search results, view photographs of properties, view surrounding areas, and / or choose individual listings from the results. The listings may be overlaid on a map (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 4A) and the user may input various search attributes to refine the displayed listings.

[0172] Based upon the overlayed listings, a user may interact with different listings to provide for automated generation of loan cost worksheets that include provider information as described above. For example, a user may select a “create loan cost worksheet” interface portion (e.g., 506 of FIG. 5A) to automatically generate a loan cost worksheet.

[0173] At process block 1515, the method 1500 also includes, responsive to the user selecting a specific listing from the one or more real estate listings, providing a loan cost worksheet generation interface. The loan cost worksheet generation interface may include any interface described above. For example, the interface may include fields for inputting user profile data, selections, geographic areas, preferences, and others (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B). The interface may include elements such as, for example, buttons, or may also include touch screen interfaces operative to receive and interpret touch gestures. The interface may also include disability-assisted interfaces configured to translate voice commands or use disability-assisted devices to effectuate use by a plurality of different user types without detracting from the technical features described herein.

[0174] In some implementations, the user may have associated default loan cost preferences, loan amounts, monthly payment amounts, and others, such that loan cost worksheet generation may also be automated and based upon user preferences. In this manner, loan cost worksheet generation may be triggered by a user request or by a user selection of a specific real estate listing.

[0175] At process block 1520, the method 1500 includes, responsive to the user interacting with the loan cost worksheet generation interface, generating a loan cost worksheet. As described above, the user may identify one or more listings of interest, and may generate one or more loan cost worksheets based on the identified listings. In this example, a user may select a particular one listing. However, a user may also select more than one listing and be provided with more than one loan cost worksheet, with each worksheet being associated with a specific real estate listing. Each of the real estate listings selected may have an associated geographic area. Furthermore, the associated geographic area may be associated with any number of providers as described herein.

[0176] For example, the loan cost worksheet is populated with the contact information of a first provider if a geographic area of the specific listing selected by the user is within the provider geographic region in the provider profile of the first provider. In this manner, the loan cost worksheet provides for at least one (and possibly more) providers and associated profile data such that users may view and / or contact different providers based upon different categories for the providers (e.g., insurance, mortgage, warranty, etc.).

[0177] Other attributes besides geographic region may also be applicable. For example, a user may select a particular listing and interact with different loan cost items to display different providers. Attributes such as average mortgage insurance rates, average customer rating, or number of loans serviced may be attributes suitable for selecting a mortgage insurance provider.

[0178] Additionally, attributes such as home warranty length, warranty terms, average warranty claims process, and others, may be suitable attributes for selecting a home warranty provider.

[0179] Additionally, attributes such as home insurance rates, active number of claims, maximum insurance coverage, minimum insurance coverage, deductibles, and others, may be suitable attributes for selecting a home insurance provider.

[0180] Additionally, attributes such as title cost, title process length, and others, may be suitable for selecting a title insurance provider.

[0181] Other attributes such as those listed above, may also be provided for viewing by a user through navigation and interaction with the loan cost worksheets, and may include contact information for the listed providers as described herein.

[0182] The loan cost worksheet can be populated with contact information for one or more providers based upon provider categories and associated loan transaction costs. The loan cost worksheet can also include a first entry for a first provider type and a second entry for a second provider type. In this manner, the first entry is populated with the contact information of providers having a provider category that matches the first provider type.

[0183] Additionally, the loan cost worksheet can be further populated with a ranked subset of providers if the geographic area of the specific listing selected by the user is within respective provider geographic regions in the respective provider profiles. For example, rankings may be based on information provided by the real estate database or other information such as third-party information. Furthermore, a size of the subset may be based on information provided by the real estate database (e.g., recommended number of competitors, etc.).

[0184] A user may interact with the loan cost worksheet as described above (e.g., selecting portions, selecting providers, inputting gestures, etc.).

[0185] At process block 1525, the method 1500 may include automatically initiating contact between the user and the first loan product provider based upon the type of interaction. As a user reviews the loan cost worksheet and decides upon specific costs to consider, the user may wish to reach out and / or contact specific providers. The user may, for example, wish to reduce specific costs, ascertain longer warranties, ascertain different insurance levels, and / or other considerations. As the loan cost worksheet contains multiple provider profiles embedded therein, a user may have a plurality of providers to contact and choose from through interaction with the loan cost worksheet.

[0186] For example, the type of interaction can include one or more of: a selection of the first provider contact information in a selection interface; a confirmation of the first provider via a confirmation interface; and / or a gesture indicative of the first provider in a touch screen interface. The user interactions may drive automated contact options, such that a process flow of receiving a loan cost worksheet until contacting a provider includes a reduced number of steps as compared to conventional real estate searches. Automated contact may also be driven by user preferences, such that automated phone call initiation, email generation, text message generation, etc., are automatically initiated based upon the specific user preferences.

[0187] Additionally, automatically initiating contact with a provider may include one or more of: initiating telephone call between the user and the first provider; initiating an email application and creating an email message populated with the first provider's email address to be sent from the user's email address; and / or initiating a chat function between the first computing device and the first provider. Other forms of automated contact may include, for example, text messaging, contact via social media, transfer of contact card (e.g., for the user to the provider), and others.

[0188] In accordance with the method 1500, an example method of map-based real estate searches may include, for example, receiving, at a computer system, provider profiles, wherein the provider profiles include at least a provider name, provider contact information, and a provider geographic region. The method may also include rendering, by the computing system, display results from searching a real estate database, wherein the display results include one or more real estate listings overlayed on a map, responsive to the user selecting a specific listing from the one or more real estate listings, providing a loan cost worksheet generation interface, and responsive to the user interacting with the loan cost worksheet generation interface, generating a loan cost worksheet, wherein the loan cost worksheet is populated with the contact information of a first provider if a geographic area of the specific listing selected by the user is within the provider geographic region in the provider profile of the first provider.

[0189] In accordance with variations upon the method 1500, an additional example method of map-based real estate searches may include, for example, rendering, by a first computing system, display results responsive to a second computing system searching a real estate database, wherein the display results include one or more real estate listings overlayed on a map based at least upon a plurality of provider profiles, wherein the plurality of provider profiles include at least (1) a provider name, (2) provider contact information, and (3) a provider geographic region, and wherein the display results are based on the provider geographic region. The method can also include receiving, at the first computing system, a user selection of a specific listing from the one or more real estate listings, receiving, at the first computing system, a loan cost worksheet, wherein the loan cost worksheet is populated with the contact information of a first provider if a geographic area of the specific listing selected by the user is within the provider geographic region in the provider profile of the first provider, receiving, at the first computing system, a user interaction with the first provider contact information populated in the loan cost worksheet, and automatically initiating contact between the user and the first loan product provider based upon the type of interaction.

[0190] Other variations of the method 1500 are contemplated, such as for initiating contact with more than one provider, re-ranking providers with new or refreshed information, re-attempting contact on a periodic basis if a contact attempt was unsuccessful, and others. Furthermore, incorporation of different forms of providers may also be effectuated such that users are apprised of newly operating providers, locally operating providers, operators that meet other user preferences, and so on.

[0191] In one example, a user may input preferences for providers that have a local business address rather than a P.O. Box. In one example, a user may input preferences for providers with at least a minimum number of transactions in the specific geographic area. In one example, a user may input preferences for providers with a minimum aggregated user-rating in a ratings database. In one example, a user may input preferences for providers having a minimum number of years or a specified minimum timespan of operation in a geographic area. Other preferences may also be applicable, and these examples are non-exhaustive of all possible user preferences.

[0192] As described above, different methods have been presented to provide for more relevant search results for real estate listings, with automatically generated loan documents, including loan cost worksheets and pre-approval documents. Hereinafter, computing devices that may be used to implement at least a portion of the above-described aspects are described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0193] FIG. 9 illustrates an example computing device 902, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The illustrated example of computing device 902 is shown as including a communication interface 904, one or more processors 906, hardware 908, and a memory 910.

[0194] The communication interface 904 may include wireless and / or wired communication components that enable the computing device 1002 to transmit data to and receive data from other networked devices. The hardware 1008 may include additional hardware interface, data communication, or data storage hardware. For example, the hardware interfaces may include a data output device (e.g., electronic display, audio speakers), and one or more data input devices.

[0195] The memory 910 may be implemented using computer-readable media, such as computer storage media. In some aspects, computer-readable media may include volatile and / or non-volatile, removable and / or non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Computer-readable media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD), high-definition multimedia / data storage disks, or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transmission medium that can be used to store information for access by a computing device.

[0196] The processors 906 and the memory 910 of the computing device 902 may implement a search component 912 and a generation component 914. The search component 912 and generation component 914 may include routines, program instructions, objects, and / or data structures that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types (e.g., perform one or more of the methods 600, 700, 800, and / or portions thereof). The memory 910 may also include a data store (not shown) that is used by the search component 912 and / or generation component 914.

[0197] The term “processing logic” in this disclosure may include one or more processors, microprocessors, multi-core processors, Application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), and / or Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) to execute operations disclosed herein (e.g., perform one or more of the methods 600, 700, 800, and / or portions thereof). In some embodiments, memories (not illustrated) are integrated into the processing logic to store instructions to execute operations and / or store data. Processing logic may also include analog or digital circuitry to perform the operations in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

[0198] A “memory” or “memories” described in this disclosure may include one or more volatile or non-volatile memory architectures. The “memory” or “memories” may be removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Example memory technologies may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD), high-definition multimedia / data storage disks, or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transmission medium that can be used to store information for access by a computing device.

[0199] Networks may include any network or network system such as, but not limited to, the following: a peer-to-peer network; a Local Area Network (LAN); a Wide Area Network (WAN); a public network, such as the Internet; a private network; a cellular network; a wireless network; a wired network; a wireless and wired combination network; and a satellite network.

[0200] Communication channels may include or be routed through one or more wired or wireless communication utilizing IEEE 802.11 protocols, short-range wireless protocols, SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit), USB (Universal Serial Port), CAN (Controller Area Network), cellular data protocols (e.g. 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G), optical communication networks, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), a peer-to-peer network, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a public network (e.g. “the Internet”), a private network, a satellite network, or otherwise.

[0201] A computing device may include a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet, a phablet, a smartphone, a feature phone, a server computer, or otherwise. A server computer may be located remotely in a data center or be stored locally.

[0202] The processes explained above are described in terms of computer software and hardware. The techniques described may constitute machine-executable instructions embodied within a tangible or non-transitory machine (e.g., computer) readable storage medium, that when executed by a machine will cause the machine to perform the operations described. Additionally, the processes may be embodied within hardware, such as an application specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”) or otherwise.

[0203] A tangible non-transitory machine-readable storage medium includes any mechanism that provides (i.e., stores) information in a form accessible by a machine (e.g., a computer, network device, personal digital assistant, manufacturing tool, any device with a set of one or more processors, etc.). For example, a machine-readable storage medium includes recordable / non-recordable media (e.g., read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices, etc.).

[0204] The above description of illustrated embodiments of the invention, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described herein for illustrative purposes, various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize.

[0205] These modifications can be made to the invention in light of the above detailed description. The terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be determined entirely by the following claims, which are to be construed in accordance with established doctrines of claim interpretation.

Claims

1. A method comprising:determining, with a processor of a computing system that includes a memory, a geographic location of a user device based on a GPS coordinate of the user device that is transmitted by a wireless communication interface of the user device that is a tablet or a smartphone;receiving, at the computer system, provider profiles, wherein the provider profiles include at least (1) a provider name; (2) provider contact information; and (3) a provider geographic region;searching, by the computer system, a real estate database remote from the computer system for one or more real estate listings based on a geographic filter at least partially determined from the GPS coordinate of the user device;rendering, by the computing system, display results from searching the real estate database, wherein the display results include the one or more real estate listings overlaid on a map based on the geographic filter provided by the user device, the display results rendered to a display of the user device;responsive to a user selecting, with the user device, a specific listing from the one or more real estate listings rendered to the user device, providing a loan cost worksheet generation interface;rendering the loan cost worksheet generation interface to the display of the user device, wherein the loan cost worksheet generation interface is rendered to the display of the user device at a same time as property photos of the specific listing selected by the user and at a same time as description of the specific listing selected by the user;receiving, by the computing system, a subset size of a ranked subset of providers from the real estate database remote from the computer system; andresponsive to the user interacting with the loan cost worksheet generation interface rendered to the display of the user device, generating a loan cost worksheet for the specific listing, wherein the loan cost worksheet is populated with contact information of a ranked subset of providers if a geographic area of the specific listing selected by the user is within respective provider geographic regions in the respective provider profiles, the subset size of the ranked subset of providers automatically selected based upon the subset size of the ranked subset of providers received from the real estate database.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the provider profile further includes a provider category for a transaction cost associated with a loan, and wherein the loan cost worksheet is populated with contact information for one or more providers based upon provider categories and associated loan transaction costs.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the provider profile further includes a provider category for a transaction cost, wherein the loan cost worksheet includes a first entry for a first provider type and a second entry for a second provider type, and wherein the first entry is populated with the contact information of providers having a provider category that matches the first provider type.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the received provider profiles are ranked based upon one or more of distance to the geographic area of the specific listing selected by the user and transaction cost associated with the particular provider and the specific listing.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein an individual provider is one of a homeowners insurance provider, a mortgage insurance provider, an escrow provider, a title insurance provider, and a home warranty provider.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the provider contact information of the received loan product provider profiles include one or more of: provider telephone number or provider email address.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising:receiving a user interaction with a first provider contact information of a first provider populated in the loan cost worksheet; andautomatically initiating contact between the user and the first provider based upon the type of interaction.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the type of interaction comprises one or more of:a selection of the first provider contact information in a selection interface;a confirmation of the first provider via a confirmation interface; anda gesture indicative of the first provider in a touch screen interface.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein automatically initiating contact comprises one or more of:initiating telephone call between the user and the first provider;initiating an email application and creating an email message populated with the first provider's email address to be sent from the user's email address; andinitiating a computer chat function between the user and the first provider.

10. The method of claim 1 further comprising:receiving, by the computer system from the user device, a minimum user-rating corresponding to the providers, wherein the ranked subset of providers is based upon the minimum user-rating in a ratings database corresponding to the providers.

11. The method of claim 1 further comprising:receiving, by the computer system from the user device, a minimum number of years corresponding to the providers, wherein the ranked subset of providers is based upon the minimum number of years corresponding to the providers.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the ranked subset of providers is based upon a proximity of the providers to the specific listing selected by the user from the one or more real estate listing rendered to the user device.

13. A computer-implemented method comprising:determining, with a processor of a computing system that includes a memory, a geographic location of a user device based on a GPS coordinate of the user device that is transmitted by a wireless communication interface of the user device that is a tablet or a smartphone;rendering, by the computing system, display results responsive to the computing system searching a real estate database remote from the computing system, wherein searching the real estate database is based on a geographic filter at least partially determined from the GPS coordinate of the user device, and wherein the display results include one or more real estate listings overlaid on a map based at least upon a plurality of provider profiles and based on the geographic filter determined at least partially from the GPS coordinate of the user device, wherein the plurality of provider profiles include at least (1) a provider name, (2) provider contact information, and (3) a provider geographic region, and wherein the display results are also based on the provider geographic region;receiving, at the computing system, a user selection from the user device of a specific listing from the one or more real estate listings rendered to the user device;receiving, at the computing system, a loan cost worksheet, wherein the loan cost worksheet is populated with the contact information of a first provider if a geographic area of the specific listing selected by the user is within the provider geographic region in the provider profile of the first provider;rendering the loan cost worksheet to the display of the user device, wherein the loan cost worksheet is rendered to the display of the user device at a same time as property photos of the specific listing selected by the user and at a same time as description of the specific listing selected by the user;receiving, at the computing system, a user interaction with the first provider contact information populated in the loan cost worksheet; andautomatically initiating contact between the user and the first provider based upon a type of interaction.

14. The computer-implemented method of claim 13, wherein the type of interaction comprises one or more of:a selection of the first provider contact information in a selection interface;a confirmation of the first provider via a confirmation interface; anda gesture indicative of the first provider in a touch screen interface.

15. The computer-implemented method of claim 13, wherein automatically initiating contact comprises one or more of:initiating telephone call between the user and the first provider;initiating an email application and creating an email message populated with the first provider's email address to be sent from the user's email address; andinitiating a chat function between the computing device and the first provider.

16. The computer-implemented method of claim 13, wherein receiving the loan cost worksheet is further responsive to the user interacting with a loan cost generation interface.

17. The computer-implemented method of claim 13, wherein the loan cost worksheet is a downloadable computer-executable file.

18. The computer-implemented method of claim 13, wherein the plurality of provider profiles further comprise an average cost of a loan transaction for the respective provider based upon information from the specific listing selected by the user.

19. A non-transitory computer-readable medium with instructions stored thereon that, responsive to execution by a processing device, causes the processing device to perform operations comprising:determining, with the processing device that includes a memory, a geographic location of a user device based on a GPS coordinate of the user device that is transmitted by a wireless communication interface of the user device that is a tablet or a smartphone;receiving provider profiles, wherein the provider profiles include at least (1) a provider name; (2) provider contact information; and (3) a provider geographic region;searching, by the processing device, a real estate database remote from the processing device for one or more real estate listings based on a geographic filter at least partially determined from the GPS coordinate of the user device;rendering display results from searching the real estate database, wherein the display results include the one or more real estate listings overlaid on a map based on the geographic filter provided by the user device, the display results rendered to a display of the user device;responsive to a user selecting, with the user device, a specific listing from the one or more real estate listings rendered to the user device, providing a loan cost worksheet generation interface;rendering the loan cost worksheet generation interface to the display of the user device, wherein the loan cost worksheet generation interface is rendered to the display of the user device at a same time as property photos of the specific listing selected by the user and at a same time as description of the specific listing selected by the user; andresponsive to the user interacting with the loan cost worksheet generation interface rendered to the display of the user device, generating a loan cost worksheet for the specific listing, wherein the loan cost worksheet is populated with the contact information of a ranked subset of providers if a geographic area of the specific listing selected by the user is within respective provider geographic regions in the respective provider profiles, the subset size of the ranked subset of providers automatically selected based upon the subset size of the ranked subset of providers received from the real estate database.

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